Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)Looking to lose that spare tire? Ideal weight 200+? Frustrated being a large cyclist in a sport geared for the ultra-light? Learn about the bikes and parts that can take the abuse of a heavier cyclist, how to keep your body going while losing the weight, and get support from others who've been successful.

I just want to inform anybody, who is interested in buying a road bike. I am at 250lbs and have been riding my bike now for around 8 months. I bought a very nice race bike from a local shop equipped with Dura Ace components. The frame is light weight aluminum, carbon forks, carbon rear stays, carbon seat post, Mavic Axsium rims with the flat aero spokes, 700x23c tires, FSA carbon front crank, and a gel seat from my old hybrid bike. I have ridden the crap out of this thing and hit every pothole in town with no damage what so ever. Just the other day, while I was riding to work, I hit a hidden 4in bolt that was lying in the bike lane and blew my tube. BAM! Pssssss!!! I swapped out my tube, filled it with air, and rode to work. When I got to work, I looked at the tube. It was one of those super thin tubes made in Taiwan. There is hardly any rubber on that tube. I would suggest that anybody, who is riding a road bike, buy some puncture proof thick walled tubes and replace the thin walled tubes that come with most road bikes. I called around and found some tubes that were 1.9mm thick for a 23c tube. Having thin walled tubes in your road bike and being 250lbs while rolling down a hill at 30mph is a very dangerous thing to do. Other than the tire incident, I have had no problems with my bike while being 250lbs of pure MAN!

I recently upgraded to a road bike and have found alot more enjoyment in my riding. I'm on the Trek 1.2, and I've already had the tire tube issue, and solved it. I still have my hybrid, and I won't be getting rid of it just for sentimental value. I've converted it to a great commuter bike, one that I know can take the pot holes and carry all my stuff. The road bike I use on smooth blacktop country riding to avoid getting it knocked out of whack too soon.

My first road bike has become my commuter (technically it was my second road bike of this century but the first one was free so it doesn't count). There is nothing like placing my 200+ lb. body on my <20 lb. bike. Actually makes me forget I'm a Clyde!